Running in a new car - would anyone follow this advice?

Question

Some recommendations on actually running a new engine hard: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
What do people think of this advice or safer to follow manufacturers recommendations?

Answer 1

when the manufacturer (at least us manufacturer) completes build an engine it goes to a break-in area where the engine is ran for some period of time. during this time the piston rings are broke-in. if the engine fails at this time it is returned to failure analysis area to determine the cause of failure then recycled thru the engine build area. so the point of running engine hard to break-in piston rings lack knowledge of the manufacturing process. the reason for the manufacturer defines a break-in period is not only for the engine but the drive train also. running a car hard does not allow for good break-in of all components. manufacturer spend thousands of dollar on warranty work each year if they could determine a better method of total vehicle break-in that would same them they would recommend it. best all round break-in would be on non-congested freeway starting with a slower (50mph) constant speed for 15 minutes then increasing speed 5 mph every 15 minutes. once you reach the speed limit don't exceed it return to lower speed and repeat cycle for 300 to 500 miles. after break-in change oil and your done. btw manufactures can determine if an engine failure is caused by miss-use and may void warranty.

Answer 2

In days gone by the finish on engine components was comparitively rough. Driving gently and at comparatively low revs allowed them to polish each other to a mirror finish. Modern machine tools give such a good finish that your car is like an old one with the engine 75% run in. Just obey the speed limits, do not race the engine in the low gears and all will be fine.

Answer 3

He is breaking in a bike and not a car........however, I don't feel there would be a difference in my answer. If you actually have to physically TRY to get a piston to seal by running it hard, then you bought a piece of junk to begin with. The pistons come sealed to the cylinder walls. Think of it this way......if you were going to insert a glass bowl through a small hole, would it be better to lube it up and gently press it back and forth until it meshes with the hole you are working it through?........OR would it be better to stand across the street and through that sucker as hard as you can through the tight hole? Answer #2 would sure make the bowl (piston) last longer. There is a reason that people announce that what they are saying is controversial before they ever tell you something. It means that they are the only ones who think that way because every one else goes with more scientific proof. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

i has been mechanic most of my life.

racing engine builder in my "teens" years,kin of Know it all

if You don't have a racing engine under the hood. don't follow what that guy is saying.

the car's manufacturers, test for thousands of hours their vehicles ,engines, transmissions,tires,shock absorbers,etc

so many thousands of hours that will take me 5 re-born and be a test mechanic 5 lifes to match the amount of hours of testing not to mention of the money expended in the process, plus so many doctors engineers.checking, researching,filing data.

the manufacturer know what it saying, and want that the car last the most possible,because of the name and the proud,follow the manufacturer indications(by the book ,not what the sales man said)

that guy is bulls...eating

don't spoil Your investment.

Answer 5

Personally, I would treat it gently for the first 500 miles and then take it in to the retailer and have the free 500 mile checkup. A few things might need tightening up here and there and then you can drive it as you want to. However, 'boy racer' driving DOES wreck a car - the wheel bearings for a start, then the suspension (not slowing down for speed bumps).

Answer 6

Just seen the website and things have moved on in the last few years, but I'm still for taking it easy for the first few thousand miles gradually giving it more work to do as the miles build up to around 12000, What i,m saying is don't nurse it but don't thrash the bollocks off it. Hope this helps!!

Answer 7

There's a lot to be said for this method, but it tends to grate on most people's instinct to treat an new car with kid gloves. Most people wouldn't dream of changing the oil, for one thing. I believe the technique quoted is often followed by the racing boys.

Answer 8

That guy is a crackpot!! You never run a new engine hard! My dad just got a new crate engine in his 87 Monte Carlo... the guys at Jasper told him to take it easy and break it in with care.... you run a new engine hard and you will break something....

Answer 9

have not seen the website..but i do know that you really should take it easy for the first few thousand miles ..gradually building up the revs ...if you do you will have a smoother and longer lasting unit .and one more thing ..after 10000 miles change the oil to fully synthetic .it relay is the best stuff out there to prolong engine life

Answer 10

Why not just drive the thing, it's not like you are launching the space shuttle or anything.

I'd expect the manufacturer to do this if it was such a good idea. They don't.